Federal Eye: Repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ now or wait?

Happy Thursday! Senate Democrats are taking steps that could eventually lead to a vote on repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t
tell” policy against the wishes of Pentagon leaders and Republican
lawmakers who want the military to finish a review of the policy before
a vote.

On Tuesday Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) unveiled a new bill backed by several liberal senators that would repeal the ban on openly gay people from serving in uniform
and ensure current and potential service members are not discriminated
against because of their sexual orientation.

The bill could be taken up as part of the annual defense authorization bill in May, according to Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.).

“Gays are serving successfully in our military right now — this legislation would allow them to serve with integrity,” Levin said.

But the Pentagon urged patience on Tuesday — essentially saying that yes, Congress will eventually repeal the policy, but that
lawmakers should wait for the military to complete its study of how a
repeal might impact the force.